You are the master of your destination, happiness and adventure, so in the bid to find that one destination that offers a perfect opportunity to relax, have fun and explore nature; seek to find a rhythmical East Africa, with her diverse wildlife, cool climates, breathtaking sceneries, and unmatched hospitality; each of the five countries offering their best at all levels to visitors regardless of age, race or gender. This is East Africa; not known by many, but a one-stop center for unspoiled God’s own creation, some of the renowned world wonders and nature in its originality.
Visitors come as wanderers; just to spend few days with friends, in the exotic beaches, unwind stress, and explore the rare wildlife species in the different conservation areas, but return as stories, with inspirations, songs, fascinating photos, and a trusted network of friends.
When it comes to you considering a trip to East Africa, here are some of the destinations to pick from; Uganda; the pearl of Africa; Kenya; Kenya; magical Kenya, Rwanda; the land of a thousand hills, Tanzania; the land of Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Zanzibar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo; Those destinations pride in unrivaled authentic cultures, wildlife species, and modern infrastructure. All offer value for money, and unique visitor experiences.
The official languages widely spoken in the East are; English, Swahili, French, and Arabic some doted regions. Where the religious communities shouldn’t get scared though the region is predominantly Christians, other denominations are also present and active; talk of the Muslims, the Adventists, and the Bahia faith. With the existence of Faith, there is a call of descent dressing to African standard while in or outside the different attractions, theme parks, cities, and accommodation facilities.
A region that has passed through rebel activities and disease outbreaks in the individual countries, but still emerged strong, and very vibrant, with tourism taking the lead center stage; boasted by good security, authentic cultural communities that offer unmatched performances, cool climate and the presence of the sought after apes and loved primate species, such as the endangered mountain gorillas only found in the continent of Africa, the eastern lowland Gorillas, the charming golden monkeys and the chimpanzees, protected in the lush tropical forests and Virunga chain of Mountains.
Facts you should know about East Africa while considering a safari;
East Africa is where the longest River on earth (River Nile) starts her 3 monthly Journey to the Mediterranean Sea, via several countries such as Ethiopia and Egypt. The same river offers one of the best white water rafting experiences in the continent and the entire world. Talk of The tallest stand-alone mountain on earth; the snowcapped mountain Kilimanjaro having its feet in this souls and hiked by several people all year round globally.
This land also contains the largest caldera on earth; the Ngorongoro crater, most powerful waterfalls on earth; Murchison Falls, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, Africa’s Big5 (lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and Buffaloes), the largest animal migrations on earth; the annual wildebeest migration, variety of bird species, and the charming exotic beaches.
The other interesting fact is that instead of buy separated Visas to use across the different countries; one East African Visa can serve the purpose, though for only Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
When we talk of Hospitality, East Africans are ranked as one of the most hospitable people on earth, having wealth of products, good at welcoming and entertaining visitors. No one returns without total satisfaction.
History is also one thing to embrace in east Africa, notably, the stories about the over 250,000 people who lost their innocent lives in the conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi in the year 1994, and now laid to and a mass grave at the Genocide memorial site in Kigali Rwanda. The other historical site includes the Olduvai gorge; a place the fossils beloved to that of the first human being to live on earth was found, situated a few kilometers from Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater.
Why you should come to East Africa, and not any other place is because its moments are made, mind freedoms are attained, stress killed, and unique breathtaking features encountered. Visit for research, bungee jumping, wildlife adventure in the different game reserves, honeymoon, water rafting experience, video graphing, family vacation, for summer and winter holiday, Hot air balloon safari, camping, solo or group safari, business safaris, and spending the weekends at the beautiful beaches.
Unique destinations they are, but what does each offer once you decide to pick for a holiday vacation;
Uganda.
Crossed by the equator, Uganda is one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the region, worth your time and money. After his Africa tour, the wartime minister; Sir Winston Churchill described Uganda as the pearl of Africa in his book “my African journey”. Hundreds of visitors Visit any of its national parks, cultural sites, birding havens, and beaches among others for as many days as possible. English is the official language, and Kampala is the capital city.
Uganda is home to the source of the Nile; the longest river on earth, sought after rare mountain Gorillas, Lake Victoria; the world’s third-largest freshwater lake, the tree-climbing lions, the snowcapped mountain Rwenzori, the rare sought after shoebill stock, the most powerful waterfalls at Murchison falls and the chimpanzees among others.
Safaris are mainly centered around the national park notably, Kidepo valley nations park, Murchison Falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park; Uganda’s most visited national park, Bwindi national park, Mgahinga Gorilla national park, Semuliki National Park for the rare bird species among others; swamps such as Mabamba along lake Victoria, and many more, religious sites such as the namugongo shrines among others.
Kenya.
Magical in all ways, Kenya is by no doubt a well-deserved holiday destination. All year round, visitors head for different activities such as wildlife viewing in the different conservation areas, notably Lake Nakuru National Park for flamingoes, Lake Naivasha national park, Amboseli for her huge elephant concentration and the famous Masai Mara reserve, not only known for wildebeest migration, but also captivating landscape, and high concentration of lions. The thing can be encountering the Maasai warriors, and relaxing at the beautiful Mombasa beaches.
The Democratic Republic of Congo.
Included in the east African safari, Congo is unique in its way. The third-largest country in the continent of Africa, and home to two unique Gorilla species; the eastern lowland Gorillas in Kahusi Bienga national park, and the Mountain Gorillas in Virunga national park. Despite cases of rebel attacks and diseases, All tourists to this country are safe and enjoy their trip to the dot.
Tanzania.
This is the second-largest country in Africa, with amazingly some of the best wildlife spots, recreational centers, accommodations, and tourist activities. Most tours are centered in the northern part of the country, home to Ngorongoro crater; home to the largest land caldera in the world, Serengeti national park; famous for her wildebeest migration and Tarangire national park among others.
The other destination not to miss out on is exploring the beautiful beaches, a tour around the historic stone, and a taste of the different spices at Zanzibar.
Rwanda.
Land of a thousand Hills is Rwanda, one of the top destinations in the world. Rwanda is the best in Primate Safaris, with activities to take on being Gorilla trekking and Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park and Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe national park. The other is wildlife viewing in Akagera national park. Tourists can come and enjoy the first-class facilities’, tasty cuisines, and the breathtaking landscape in all the corners of the country.
TOP SAFARI IDEAS IN THE ABOVE DESTINATIONS.
Gorilla trekking.
A new trend in the travel industry is to reunite with our lost relatives, in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is a top activity done in Africa, with hundreds of visitors flooding for it at the Virunga chain of mountains in any of the destinations; Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga national park and Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda. Besides the Mountain Gorilla Species, Democratic Republic of Congo is privileged to offer asylum to even the Eastern lowland Gorillas at Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Gorillas are Humans’ closest relatives with a DNA report to 95% human-like. Yes, they resemble and do things like us, such as leadership commanded by a dominant male silverback, whose role is to settle the dispute, and find new territories each day. To track the Gorillas, the tracking permits are mandatory and vary in price per country you do it, Congo is the cheapest, charging 450 USD, Uganda 700 USD and Rwanda 1500 USD per person aged 15 years and above per day.
Witnessing the wildebeest migration.
This is one of the words natural words’ natural wonders, also known by many as “the wilderness world cup”. Over 1.5 million wildebeests, accompanied by thousands of zebras, elands, and gazelles, migrate from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya annually in search of fresh pasture and water.
This is a cycle, where views see real drama, and chaos, as migrants have to face predators, and several other obstacles such as giant water bodies, invested by crocodiles and hippos to live. June to October is the most dramatic season, though other months are equally rewarding.
Wildlife safari.
No destination in the world beats East Africa in offering the best wildlife safari. Thanks to the conservation practices, good weather, and variety of wildlife species seeking asylum in this part of the world. Mammals such as the lions, leopards, giraffes, cape Buffaloes, African Elephants, hippos, crocodile, hyenas, warthogs, cheetahs, zebras and several other Antelope species of all sizes and colors find their feed and relax in the different game conservation areas such as Masai national park, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison nations park, and Ngorongoro Crater.
Birders can also find most of the birds in the bucket list such notably the ostriches; the world’s largest land bird, flamingoes at Lake Nakuru shorelines, the sought-after shoebill stork, the Turacos, crested cranes, and the marabou stocks among others. Reptiles such as snakes, chameleon and tortoise, are all included in the wealth of wildlife species that adorned East Africa, not forgetting a variety of unique tree species. Exploring these different wildlife species is done through a nature walk or game drives by a knowledgeable tour guide and park rangers.
Beach safaris.
Stressed, tired, or inspirit of having fun on the beach or with water, a day or more in the East African tranquil because is worth a payoff to your hustles. Either in Mombasa Kenya or Zanzibar Kenya, exploring the well-decorated beaches at the shoreline of the giant Indian Ocean is a dream come true to many, chose to go and dive with the dolphins, swim, take photos or just relax by the sand and meditate, no one is limited.
Another beauty with beaches is the taste of different kinds of seafood and the fun it comes with.
Chimpanzee trekking.
In the region with the highest primate population in the world, chimpanzee trekking is the way to go once on a safari. Chimpanzees are human’s closest relatives, sharing over 98% DNA, and with a replica of human behaviors and resembles. The sweet sounds, playful nature, and fun make staying with them worth an option.
Among the many destinations for trekking, these are the most famous; Kibale forest national park in Uganda, Nyungwe national park in Rwanda, and Mahale national park in Tanzania.
The activities often start early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters, followed by an exciting adventure in the Lush jungles, with not only the primates, but also birds, several other primates such as baboons and monkeys, and some unique tree species for botanists.
Hiking.
Done in all the countries of East Africa, only those who have tried it out will testify to the unforgettable memories hikers pride in. Hiking is an act of moving on foot to your destinations, especially the mountain summit. In East Africa, through of these mountains attract hundreds of visitors from all regions of the world, wide two and the summits lasting for more than a day. Mount Nyiragongo in the democratic republic of Congo is one the world’s most active mountains, with a record twelve times eruption. The summit is as a blazing lava lake left behind by the previous eruption events.
There are giant Mount Kenya in Kenya, the snowcapped mountain Rwenzori in Uganda, and the gigantic snowcapped mountain Kilimanjaro in Tanzania; the tallest stand-alone mountain in the world. Hiking to the summit lasts for approximately 6-9 days depending on the hiker’s speed, the fitness levels and the route used. Hiking does not need special talent, but rather positive determinations, a love for adventure, and fitness. It is done as a group, with nobody left behind during the adventure.
Cultural encounter.
Cultural safari is one way of understanding one’s way of life, appreciating and enjoying it. It’s unique from any other form of encounter because it evokes our spirits to the attachments of cultural belonging. East Africa has several unique cultures, which have mastered the art of exciting visitors and nurturing them with strong feelings. Some of the cultures to encounter include; the Batwa pygmies; former hunters and gatherers in the vast Virunga chain of mountains, that sprawls through Uganda, Congo and Rwanda; the Karamojong who are known for herding, just as the Maasai warriors in Kenya and Tanzania.
The other culture not to miss out on is that of the IK people; one of the oldest cultures in Uganda. Visiting these different cultures enables visitors to understand the unique way of life of Africans, social setting, history, economic situation, and many more, through a cultural walk, songs, cuisines, purchasing the local cuisines, and dances among others.
BEST TIME TO VISIT EAST AFRICA.
You don’t have to fight with the crowd when on safari to East Africa, though in the peak or low season. Earlier booking helps because it creates sufficient time to search for the most suitable accommodations, destinations, and many more. Nonetheless, despite the freedom to a safari all year round, some activities are meant for specific times such as; birding is suitable for the wet season that runs from March to May and November, hiking is most suitable for dry season notably from December to February. The remaining activities can run from June to October and from December to February preferred mostly by those interested in wildlife viewing and Gorilla trekking among others.
Peak season is when tourist number is high, thus as advice to the budget to avoid it in case they can, because the prices of different accommodations facilities and several services go high. This is in June to October, where the low seasons; February to may see a lot of discounts in the tourist packages. Generally, East Africa is one of the cheapest destinations in the world for a holiday vacation, with a variety of activities to engage in, and attractions to visit, for as long as possible. Short safaris, are suitable for those people with fixed schedules and limited hours to spend outside work or any form of schedule.
East Africa ranks as one of the top travel destinations in the world, with mammals of all species, unique birds, the rare mountain gorillas, captivating landscape, unique authentic cultures, and many more. The holiday offers are so affordable, exciting, and safe, tailored for anyone across the globe, for whatever time frame.
